A Strategic Heritage Plan for the Palais des Nations

"The Palais des Nations is an important element of the heritage of Geneva and of Switzerland, but also of all Member States of the United Nations, and we have the duty to preserve and modernize it."Michael Møller, UNOG Director-General

On 27 December 2013, UN Member States decided to allocate the funds for the planning phase of the Strategic Heritage Plan of the United Nations Office at Geneva, with construction work starting in 2017 and completion expected in 2023. (See press release)

A new film about the work of the Strategic Heritage Plan (SHP) project at the United Nations Office at Geneva has been created. The film presents an overview of the SHP project which aims to renovate the facilities at the Palais des Nations in Geneva and to build a new building on the premises. Building code compliance and greater accessibility for persons with disabilities are among the key objectives of the project.

Objectives, benefits and challenges

Two construction phases

The Strategic Heritage Plan comprises a planning period followed by construction starting in 2017 and completion expected in 2023.

New Building Phase

The first building phase on the campus is the construction of the new building. Upon completion, it will provide swing space during the renovation of the existing building. Concurrent with the construction of the new building, a rolling, incremental schedule of conference room renovations should occur in Building A, with an effort to minimize disruption to the working space. The expansion of the cafeteria dining room should also be set up to prepare the Palais des Nations for increasing occupancy.

Construction of new permanent building (beginning 2017)

Renovation of A building (conference and cafeteria)

Renovation of B building (historical archives)

Renovation Phase (2019-2023)

This phase consists of the renovation of the existing buildings and is divided into two parts.